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Social Security Disability Awards for Rare Diseases and Other Expedited Applications Increased by More Than a Third Over Three Years

The growth and effectiveness of the CAL program can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with rare diseases and their families.

Belleville, IL (PRWEB)February 18, 2014

Allsup, a nationwide SSDI representation company, reports on the growth of two Social Security Administration (SSA) programs that can benefit individuals with rare diseases, as it joins with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) to observe Rare Disease Day, Feb. 28, 2014.

The SSA’s Quick Disability Determination (QDD) and Compassionate Allowances (CAL) programs “fast-track” approval of benefits to claimants whose medical conditions clearly meet SSA’s disability standards. Individuals can receive benefits within days, instead of months or even years. Many rare diseases are among the 225 conditions included on the CAL list. Click here to see the entire list.

According to SSA data, the number of disability applications that were selected for fast-track status increased by 35 percent over three years, from 128,920 (4.2 percent of all electronic applications) in 2010 to 174,056 (5.8 percent of all electronic applications) in 2012.

In fiscal year 2012 (Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 28, 2012), the states with the highest numbers of fast-track Social Security disability applications were:

California, with 16,575 fast-track applications, representing 5.9 percent of its total electronic applications.

Texas, with 13,594 fast-track applications, representing 5.9 percent of its total electronic applications.

Florida, with 11,827 fast-track applications, representing 5.6 percent of its total electronic applications.

The U.S Virgin Islands had the lowest number of fast-track applications with 29, but that number represented the highest percentage of total electronic applications, at 10.7 percent.

“The growth and effectiveness of the CAL program can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with rare diseases and their families,” said Allsup senior claimant representative Ed Swierczek. “Individuals living with rare diseases often face extreme financial hardship, due to a loss of income and high medical expenses. The sooner they can access their SSDI benefits, the better off they will be financially and emotionally.

“Of further help, applicants are eligible for Medicare benefits 24 months after SSDI cash benefits begin. This will help alleviate some of the financial hardship brought on by excessive medical expenses.”

Swierczek added that getting expert help filing an SSDI claim can ease much of the stress associated with the process.

“An SSDI representative like Allsup will complete the necessary paperwork, ensure SSA deadlines are met, and advocate for the individual throughout the process,” he said. “Unfortunately, even if someone has a condition that is on the CAL list, they are not guaranteed approval. They may not even get flagged as having a CAL condition. However, with a qualified representative one can be assured the CAL condition will be brought to the SSA’s attention.”

NORD is a nonprofit organization representing the 30 million Americans who have rare diseases. NORD provides advocacy, educational programs, research grants and patient assistance programs. Learn more about NORD at http://www.rarediseases.org.

ABOUT ALLSUP

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, go to http://www.Allsup.com or visit Allsup on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Allsupinc.